The Patman Center brings together speakers from across the political spectrum, including public leaders, political professionals, and policy experts. Our events provide real-world perspectives on governance, campaigns, and civic life, offering students and the broader community an inside look at how leadership and democracy function in practice.
2025 Past Speakers
Throughout the 2025 academic year, Patman Center programming connected audiences with 26 leaders actively engaged in politics from both sides of the aisle, including elected officials, campaign strategists, and legislative staff, providing firsthand insight into how political decisions are made.
2024 Past Speakers
In Spring 2024, The Patman Center welcomed 36 distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum. From Republican to Democratic elected officials to legislative staff and campaign professionals, our events bring real-world insights from leaders shaping politics today.
The Patman Center Events
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday March 31, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This class teaches participants how to create compelling social media campaigns that engage and mobilize their audience. Attendees will learn key strategies for crafting clear messages, targeting the right platforms, and driving meaningful action online.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday April 2, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for an intimate conversation with the Honorable John Sharp as he shares insights from his decades of leadership across our state. He will discuss civic leadership, the pressing issues of the day, and the challenges shaping Texas’s future.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday April 6, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for an engaging conversation with U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas and former Texas Supreme Court Justice, Xavier Rodriguez. Drawing on his experience in criminal justice and in handling complex federal litigation, Judge Rodriguez will discuss the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in maintaining the civic fabric of our democracy.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday April 7, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This training prepares participants to confidently represent their message and engage effectively with journalists and media outlets. Attendees will learn how to craft key talking points, stay on message during interviews, and build relationships that help amplify their cause through the press.
Event Status
Rescheduled
Date and time: Thursday April 9, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a special conversation with Evan Smith and Chris Bosh, NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist. Bosh will reflect on his storied basketball career and the leadership lessons he learned on and off the court, before offering thoughtful commentary on the current state of democracy and the political moment we are living in today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday April 13, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
St. Rep. Fairly will reflect on her experience serving in the Texas Legislature as one of its youngest members and a voice for the Texas Panhandle. An Amarillo native, Caroline will discuss the key issues impacting families across West Texas and her commitment to strengthening her community through practical, service-driven leadership.